Kareth staggered to his feet, the cup clattering to the ground. His face was flushed with fear more than drink.
"Wait—why? Why am I condemned? I didn't do anything!" he shouted, voice cracking as his eyes darted around the room for support. None of the mercenaries moved. They wouldn't dare.
Seraphina's gaze didn't waver.
"You did nothing when action was demanded. A knight's oath is not only to fight, but to stand watch, to protect, to bleed before others do. You let your charge die because you chose comfort over duty."
"That's not true!" Kareth barked, desperation clawing at his throat. "I was away, I wasn't even there!"
But Seraphina's hand tightened on her sword.
"The Imperial Court already summoned the Fate Mages. The threads of destiny have spoken. Your guilt is sealed—you abandoned your post. You lie now as you lied then."
